for SATB unaccompanied This short sacred work for unaccompanied mixed choir is a highly atmospheric setting of the poet Henry Vaughan's mystical and enigmatic poem of the same name. Written for the choir of St Peter's College, Oxford, the work has a sonorous quality and uses extended harmonies to great effect.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This is an arrangement of the 19th-century hymn by Philip Bliss, with words written by Horatio Spafford following several personal tragedies. Despite having lost his first son to scarlet fever, most of his assets in the Great Fire of Chicago, and then his four daughters in a shipwreck, Spafford's enduring faith inspired him to write this hymn, which speaks of an internal, spiritual calm in the face of life's difficulties. Wilberg's arrangement of Bliss's tune keeps the first two verses in unison, first women and then men, before allowing fuller textures to take over. The choir is accompanied throughout, and two upward major 3rd modulations lead to a triumphant close.

for SATTBB unaccompanied Victimae paschali laudes is an atmospheric arrangement of the traditional plainsong melody for this Latin text for Easter Sunday. Changing metres enable an authentic presentation of the plainsong style, and Lawson effectively employs interjections of 'alleluia' within the main body of the text as a powerful expression of the triumph of life over death that is at the heart of the Easter story.

for SSATB unaccompanied This simple and exquisite miniature keeps the text, the fourth-century Latin Hymn to the Virgin Mary, at the fore, with instructions from the composer to accent the melodic lines according to word stress rather than position in the bar. The musical style is a fusion of old and new, with plainchant-like melodies and tonality set against expressively dissonant contemporary harmonies. Tota pulchra est was recorded by The Epiphoni Consort on the CD David Bednall: Sudden Light (Delphian, DCD34189)

for SATB unaccompanied Aspire to God, my soul sets a macaronic text by Canon John Dilnot, with the titular words recurring throughout the setting as an emphatic refrain. This short anthem is optimistic and uplifting in tone, with frequently changing time-signatures that convey a rhythmic fluidity and the flexibility to follow the declamation of the words.

for SATB and organ Chilcott's setting of Psalm 96 is bright, optimistic, and celebratory. The sparkling organ part and fluctuation between 7/8 and 4/4 metres give the opening and closing sections a dance-like feel, while the central section is still, soft, and reflective.

for SATB and organ or piano Chilcott's setting of St Benedict's sixth-century prayer begins with a gentle recurring figure in the keyboard, graduallly building to a rousing climax. The primarily homophonic texture allows the timeless text to shine through, while the expansive vocal writing and expressive use of harmony create a sense of awe towards the Almighty God.

for SATB and organ Francis Jackson's spirited setting of Psalm 150 is steeped in the English choral tradition. With contrapuntal writing, engaging interplay between choir and organ, effective word painting, and virtuosic organ writing, O praise God in his sanctuary is a welcome addition to the service repertory.

for SATB unaccompanied This setting of a tune from The Sacred Harp is strong and march-like, with accented rhythms and percussive vocal lines contributing to a rousing overall effect. It was originally published as part of Mack Wilberg Anthems and is also available in a version for TTBB unaccompanied.

for SATB unaccompanied This high-energy, majestic setting of well-known words from the psalms is a welcome addition to the service repertory. The changing metre brings the text to the fore, and the semiquaver movement that passes between parts creates a sense of motion and drive that is fitting for this uplifting and joyous hymn of praise.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Ethan McGrath's setting of this well-known fourteenth-century macaronic text is expressive and rich, both harmonically and emotionally. The melodies have a chant-like quality and the metrical changes create a compelling ebb and flow. This carol is evocative of an ancient choral tradition, while at the same time offering a fresh choral sound.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano This dramatic and majestic anthem sets verses from Isaiah, starting with an appeal to God to show himself and his power, followed by an admission of human sin, finishing with an affirmation that we are all God's people. The choral parts are largely homophonic, except for an effective unaccompanied fugal central section, and optional high soprano notes are included towards the end for added dramatic effect. The piano part makes full use of the instrument's range and features vibrant scalic and arpeggiated flourishes, tremolos, and rhythmic, accented chords.

for SATB unaccompanied This lively reimagining of the traditional hymn is a thrilling a cappella arrangement which pairs the soaring legato melody with a rhythmic vocal accompaniment. Together, these elements capture both the gentle hope and the profound joy contained in the text. Also including moments of tenderness and reflection, the piece comes to a rousing close with an energy that engages singers and audience alike. Also available in a version for SSA unaccompanied.

The archconfraternity of SS. TrinitA was one of the less well-known institutions for musical patronage in sixteenth-century Rome. Yet in focusing on its activities in the period 1550-1650, this book sheds light on networks of urban patronage that were equally important in commissioning the sacred music of the period as the Cappella Pontificia and the Cappella Giulia at St Peter's. Not only did SS. TrinitA provide Palestrina with his only known major involvement in sacred music outside the Cappella Giulia after 1571 it also employed at some time or another every major composer active in the city. Noel O'Regan discusses the importance of SS. TrinitA in the sphere of Roman sacred music during this period and the ways in which this music was affected by social and religious factors in the play for power and prestige in post-tridentine Rome.

for SATB and piano or orchestra This setting of Adolphe Adam's beloved Christmas carol employs rich choral textures and a flowing piano accompaniment to create a rousing overall effect. Opening gently, the intensity builds gradually towards a stirring, powerful ending. Also in the anthology, An American Christmas.

for SATB and piano or organ This light-hearted arrangement of Sussex Carol is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect encore. The familiar tune comes with a modern twist, with a driving rock beat, innovative harmonisations, and playful imitation. Accessible for choir and accompanist alike, Crawford's arrangement is suitable for all types of ensemble.

for SATB and organ This lively piece sets the first six verses of Psalm 105 in a song of praise packed with energy and fervour. A dazzling and spirited organ part is present throughout, featuring spritely triplet figurations set against long, melodic lines in the voices. Suitable for both church and concert use, this piece will inject joyful vigour into any programme.

for SSAA and piano This serene, reflective anthem is a rich addition to the Choral Evensong repertoire. Chilcott artfully entwines an original setting of William Fuller's 'Evening Hymn', most famously set by Henry Purcell, and the plainsong melody for the Latin hymn 'Te lucis ante terminum', in J. M. Neale's English translation. Grounded in minor tonalities, the anthem makes use of a semi-chorus of altos and sopranos for the hymn tune, juxtaposed with compelling and complementary melodies in the other parts, building to a resolute final section before a peaceful 'Amen'.

for SSATB unaccompanied Love Incorruptible sets words from Ephesians that explore the themes of love and kindness. The anthem begins with the directive 'Let all bitterness and wrath and anger be put away, awake!', set by the composer in a way that engenders a mood of reflection and hopefulness. The tender central section is built around the words 'Be kind, tender-hearted, one to another', while the closing section presents a compelling contrast of emphatic 'awake!' declarations in the upper voices and punchily rhythmic repetitions of the titular words in the lower voices.

for SATB and organ or piano This simple and attractive carol sets a little-known text by the Rev. Canon John Gray (1866-1934). With an accompaniment for either organ and piano and optional soprano solos, this piece is accessible to a wide range of choirs and would be an excellent addition to either a Christmas concert or service.